Rishabh Pant Poised to Break Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh Pant

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.

The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.

Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Tags: #IPL2025, #MitchellStarc, #RishabhPant, #IrfanPathan, #BasitAli